Flexible cranial clamp and method of anchoring to cranium

ABSTRACT

A flexible clamp for plugging an aperture in a bone, including a plurality of flexible anchoring members, where each flexible anchoring member has a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a locking tab connected to the second end of each flexible anchoring member; and, a stabilization member slidingly engagable with the flexible anchoring members, wherein the stabilization member may be translocated from a position adjacent the first ends of the flexible anchoring members to a clamping position adjacent the second ends of the flexible anchoring members. The locking tabs engage an inner surface of the bone and the stabilization member engages an outer surface of the bone when in the clamping position. The flexible clamp further includes a ratcheting mechanism associated with each flexible anchoring member, and a plurality of pawl mechanisms formed within the stabilization member which lockingly engage with each of the ratcheting mechanisms.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/117,973 filed May 9, 2008, which claims priority to provisional U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/917,423 filed May 11, 2007, to which Applicant claims the benefit of the earlier filing date. These applications are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a clamp for use in plugging holes drilled in bone and, in particular, to a cranial clamp which is utilized to cover a burr hole drilled into a skull.

2. Description of the Related Art

In traditional neurosurgery, large sections of bone are removed from the skull. Once the procedure has been performed, there is a need to anchor the bone section back into place. Several mechanisms for achieving this function have been used, including small metallic plates affixed with screws or wires. Another mechanism has been a rigid cranial clamp which consists of two connected circular plates residing on the inside and outside surfaces of the skull.

More recently, neurosurgeons have been performing operations with a small drilled opening in the skull known as a burr hole. Such operations are less invasive than larger craniotomy procedures where larger sections of bone are removed. It is a goal of the neurosurgeon to plug the burr hole following such a procedure, typically utilizing a metallic circular plate affixed with multiple small screws as demonstrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,578,036 to Stone et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,916,200 to Eppley et al.

Cranial clamps are considered superior to the metallic plates in that they are faster to place, do not involve additional drilling of screw holes into the skull, and do not require downward forces onto the skull with a screwdriver. Exemplary cranial clamps in the art include U.S. Pat. No. 6,685,707 to Roman et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,379,363 to Herrington et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,631 to Lerch. While each of these cranial clamps are able to perform the intended function, they do not have the ability to be placed through a burr hole having a diameter smaller than the clamp itself. Such prior art clamps generally require additional devices to assist in placing the clamp in position, which further complicates the procedure.

Thus, it would be desirable for a clamp to be developed for use in plugging a burr hole formed in bone, and particularly a skull, which has the ability to be inserted through such burr hole. It would also be desirable for such clamp to be designed so that it is held rigidly in place without a threaded connection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the invention, a flexible clamp device for the anchoring of cranial bones is disclosed as including a plurality of flexible anchoring members and a stabilization member. Each of the plurality of flexible anchoring members includes an elongated body having an anchoring end and a second end opposite thereof, as well as a unidirectional ratcheting mechanism associated therewith. The flexible clamp device further includes a locking tab extending from the anchoring end of each elongated body adapted to clamp to an internal surface of a cranial bone, where the locking tab includes a first portion extending outwardly from the anchoring end of the elongated body and a second portion extending from the first locking tab portion toward the second end of the elongated body. A cross member is provided to connect the second ends of the elongated bodies, wherein the elongated body of each flexible anchoring member may be flexed such that the anchoring ends thereof are displaceable inwardly to facilitate placement through an aperture in a cranial bone.

The stabilization member further includes a plurality of pawl mechanisms to receive the unidirectional ratcheting mechanism on each elongated body, as well as a plurality of slits formed therein for receiving each elongated body. Accordingly, the stabilization member can be translocated from a first position adjacent the second ends of the elongated bodies to a second position adjacent the anchoring ends of the elongated bodies. The stabilization member in the second position constitutes a rigid clamp with the anchoring ends of the elongated bodies and causes such anchoring ends to be maintained in a spaced position. The stabilization member further includes a plurality of locking teeth extending from a lower surface thereof so as to engage an upper surface of the cranial bone.

In a second exemplary embodiment of the invention, a flexible clamp for plugging an aperture in a bone is disclosed as including: a plurality of flexible elongated bodies, where each elongated body has a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a locking tab connected to the first end of each elongated body; and, a stabilization member slidingly engagable with the elongated bodies, wherein the stabilization member may be translocated from a position adjacent the second ends of the elongated bodies to a clamping position adjacent the first ends of the elongated bodies. The locking tabs engage an inner surface of the bone and the stabilization member engages an outer surface of the bone when in the clamping position. The flexible clamp further includes a cross member connecting the second ends of the elongated bodies in spaced relation, a unilateral ratcheting mechanism associated with each elongated body, and a plurality of pawl mechanisms formed within the stabilization member which lockingly engage with each of the ratcheting mechanisms.

The stabilization member further comprises a substantially planar member slidingly engagable with the flexible elongated bodies and a plurality of locking teeth extending from a lower surface of the planar member in spaced relation which engage the outer surface of the bone when the stabilization member is in the clamping position. The planar member of the stabilization member further includes a plurality of slits formed partially therein for receiving the elongated bodies. The planar member may be any shape, but preferably is sized to cover the aperture in the bone.

The first ends of the elongated bodies are adjustably spaced or compressible when the stabilization member is positioned adjacent the second ends of the elongated bodies. The first ends of the elongated bodies are maintained in spaced relation when the stabilization member is positioned adjacent thereto. Accordingly, the position of the stabilization member along the elongated bodies controls the amount of movement available at the first ends of the elongated bodies. This permits the locking tabs of the elongated bodies to be movable between a position wider than the aperture to a position more narrow than the aperture.

In accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, a method of positioning a clamp within an aperture in a cranial bone is disclosed, where the clamp includes a plurality of flexible elongated bodies and a stabilization member slidingly engagable therewith, comprising the following steps: maintaining second ends of the elongated bodies in a predetermined spaced position; flexing first ends of the elongated bodies from a predetermined spaced position wider than the aperture to a compressed position more narrow than the aperture; inserting the first ends of the elongated bodies through the aperture in the cranial bone; expanding the first ends of the elongated bodies from the compressed position to the predetermined spaced position so as to engage an inner surface of the cranial bone; and, translocating the stabilizing member from adjacent the second ends of the elongated bodies to a position adjacent the first ends thereof so as to engage an outer surface of the cranial bone. The method may further include the steps of locking the stabilizing member in the position, associating locking tabs with the first ends of the elongated bodies, engaging the stabilizing member with the elongated bodies, and trimming the elongated bodies after the stabilizing member engages the outer surface of the cranial bone. The stabilizing member may be engaged with the elongated bodies either prior to or after inserting the first ends of the elongated bodies through the aperture. The flexing step and translocation of the stabilizing member may be performed manually or with a clamping instrument.

In one aspect, one embodiment of the invention comprises a flexible clamp device for the anchoring of cranial bones, comprising a plurality of flexible anchoring members, and a stabilization member.

In another aspect, another embodiment of the invention comprises a method of placing a flexible cranial clamp, wherein the method comprises the steps of identifying a hole or other defect in a cranial bone, i.e. during neurosurgery, flexing of anchoring members of a flexible cranial clamp such that the anchoring members are displaced inward, placing inwardly-displaced locking members through the hole or other defect in cranial bone, and expanding and stabilizing the locking members by translocation of a sliding stabilization member towards the hole or other defect in cranial bone.

In still another aspect, another embodiment of the invention comprises a flexible clamp for plugging an aperture in a bone, comprising a plurality of flexible elongated bodies, each elongated body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a locking tab connected to the second end of each elongated body, and a stabilization member slidingly engagable with the elongated bodies, wherein the stabilization member may be translocated from a position adjacent the second ends of the elongated bodies to a clamping position adjacent the first ends of the elongated bodies, wherein each of the locking tabs engage an inner surface of the bone and the stabilization member engages an outer surface of the bone when in the clamping position.

In yet another aspect, another embodiment of the invention comprises a method of positioning a clamp within an aperture in a cranial bone, the clamp including a plurality of flexible elongated bodies and a stabilizing member slidingly engagable therewith, comprising the following steps maintaining second ends of the elongated bodies in a predetermined spaced position, flexing first ends of the elongated bodies from a predetermined spaced position wider than the aperture to a compressed position more narrow than the aperture, inserting the first ends of the elongated bodies through the aperture in the cranial bone, expanding the first ends of the elongated bodies from the compressed position to the predetermined spaced position so as to engage an inner surface of the cranial bone, and translocating the stabilizing member from adjacent the second ends of the elongated bodies to a position adjacent the first ends thereof so as to engage an outer surface of the cranial bone.

In still another aspect, another embodiment of the invention comprises a flexible clamp device for use with a cranial bone, comprising at least one flexible anchoring member for positioning on the cranial bone, and a stabilization member for slidably mounting on the at least one flexible anchoring member to cover a hole or opening in the cranial bone.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cranial clamp in accordance with the present invention, where the stabilizing member is located in a position midway between the first and second ends of the flexible anchoring members;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cranial clamp depicted in FIG. 1, where the stabilizing member is in a position adjacent the first ends of the flexible anchoring members and the flexible anchoring members have been trimmed;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the cranial clamp depicted in FIG. 1, where the clamp is located above an aperture in a bone and the first ends of the flexible anchoring members are in an initial or spaced position;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the cranial clamp similar to that depicted in FIG. 3, where the stabilizing member is in a position adjacent the second ends of the flexible anchoring members and the first ends of the flexible anchoring members are brought together or compressed so as to permit insertion through the aperture in the bone;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the cranial clamp similar to that depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, where the stabilizing member has been positioned adjacent the first ends of the flexible anchoring members so as to be engagingly positioned against an outer surface of the bone, the flexible arms have been expanded to their original spaced position, and the locking tabs associated with the first ends of the flexible anchoring members are engagingly positioned against an inner surface of the bone;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the cranial clamp similar to that depicted in FIG. 5, where the upper portions of the flexible anchoring members have been trimmed immediately above the stabilizing member;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of the cranial clamp depicted in FIG. 6 positioned with respect to a burr hole in a skull; and

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line 8-8 in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein identical numerals indicate the same elements throughout the figures, FIG. 1 depicts a flexible clamp device 10 which may be utilized for covering or plugging a burr hole or the like in a bone (e.g., a skull or cranium). It will be seen that flexible clamp device 10 preferably includes a plurality of flexible, elastic or resilient anchoring members 12, each having a first or anchoring end 14 and a second end 16 opposite thereof. As seen in FIG. 1, each flexible anchoring member 12 comprises an elongated body, substantially rectangular in shape, and has a relatively thin thickness so as to enable flexing. A cross member 18 is provided to integrally connect second ends 16 of flexible anchoring members 12. In this way, such second ends 16 are maintained at a predetermined spacing. By contrast, first ends 14 are not connected and therefore adjustable, elastic or flexible and moveable between a spaced position similar to that at second ends 16 (FIG. 3) and a compressed position where such first ends 14 are displaceable inwardly so as to be in close proximity (FIG. 4) to each other.

It will further be seen that each anchoring end 14 comprises a locking tab 20. The locking tabs 20, as shown, include a first locking tab portion 22 extending outwardly from and substantially perpendicular to first end 14, and a second locking tab portion 24 that extends from first locking tab portion 22 toward second end 16 of flexible anchoring member 12 as shown. It will be appreciated that first locking tab portions 22 of flexible anchoring members 12 may be sized to accommodate use of flexible clamp device 10 with apertures of varying size in cranial bone 28. Second locking tab portion 24 functions to contact an inner surface 26 of cranial bone 28, as depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, and may be oriented substantially perpendicular to first locking tab portion 22 or at any preferred angle of engagement. While not shown, an edge or surface 30 of second locking tab portion 24 may be tapered or extended to enhance engagement with cranial bone inner surface 26.

Each flexible anchoring member 12 also preferably includes a ratcheting mechanism 32 positioned along an outer surface 34 thereof. Such ratcheting mechanism 32 generally will include a plurality of ratchets or teeth 36 spaced along flexible anchoring member 12. For reasons discussed herein, it is preferred that such teeth 36 include a first surface 38 (FIGS. 2 and 8) which is oriented so as to be angled or ramped in a direction toward first end 14 of flexible anchoring member 12 and a second surface 40 which is oriented substantially perpendicular to flexible anchoring member 12. In this way, it will be seen that ratcheting mechanism 32 is designed to permit movement therealong in one direction (i.e., unilaterally from second ends 16 to first ends 14), while preventing or restricting movement in an opposite direction.

Flexible clamp device 10 further includes a stabilization member 42 (FIG. 2) which slidingly receives the flexible anchoring members 12 as shown. Accordingly, stabilization member 42 is able to be translocated from a first position adjacent second ends 16 of flexible anchoring members 12 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) to a second position adjacent first ends 14 thereof (see FIGS. 5, 6 and 7). It will be appreciated that first ends 14 of flexible anchoring members 12 will be able to be compressed or displaced inwardly when stabilization member 42 is located adjacent second ends 16. As stabilization member 42 is translocated closer to first ends 14 of flexible anchoring members 12, however, the ability of first ends 14 to be compressed decreases. When stabilization member 42 is translocated to the point where it engages an outer surface 44 of cranial bone 28, a rigid clamp is formed with locking tabs 20 and first ends 14 of flexible anchoring members 12 is maintained in a spaced position (see FIG. 5).

More specifically, it will be seen that stabilization member 42 preferably includes a substantially planar member 46 that has a predetermined size and shape that may be useful for covering a particular aperture 48 (FIG. 3) in cranial bone 28. An inventory of planar members 46 may be interchangeable with flexible anchoring members 12 to accommodate several sizes and shapes of apertures.

Further, a plurality of slits 50 are preferably formed in planar member 46 so as to permit stabilization member 42 to receive and engage flexible anchoring members 12. While planar member 46 may be slid laterally into position between adjacent teeth 36 of ratcheting mechanisms 32 to form the clamp with locking tabs 20, it is preferred that a plurality of pawl members 52 be formed in planar member 46 which are accessible via slits 50. This enables such pawl members 52 to be aligned and engaged with teeth 36 of ratcheting mechanisms 32. In this way, stabilization member 42 is able to be translocated unidirectionally until it is positioned adjacent to first ends 14 of flexible anchoring members 12 and forms a clamp with locking tabs 20. Of course, it will be understood that pawl members 52 are able to slide or ratchet over first surface 38 of ratchet teeth 36 in a direction toward first ends 14 of flexible anchoring members 12, whereas second surface 40 of such ratchet teeth 36 functions as a stop to prevent translocation of stabilization member 42 in a direction toward second ends 16 of flexible anchoring members 12.

A plurality of locking teeth 54 preferably extend from a lower surface 56 of planar member 46 in order to better engage outer surface 44 of cranial bone 28. Locking teeth 54 are preferably positioned intermittently around planar member lower surface 56 and may be sized and/or angled as desired.

With regard to the construction of flexible clamp device 10, it is preferred that a pair of flexible anchoring members 12 be formed and connected at second ends 16 thereof by means of the cross member 18. Locking tabs 20 are preferably formed at first ends 14 of flexible anchoring members 12, where first and second locking tab portions 22 and 24, respectively, may be formed, molded, machined, stamped or otherwise created. In addition, ratchet teeth 36 may be created in flexible anchoring members 12 by puncturing the walls thereof or otherwise attached thereto. Accordingly, this enables all such components to be a one-piece construction, which could simplify manufacturing of flexible clamp device 10.

A method of positioning a flexible clamp device 10 within an aperture 48 of a cranial bone 28 is also provided by the present invention, where flexible clamp device 10 includes a plurality of flexible anchoring members 12 and a stabilization member 42 slidingly engagable therewith. This method includes the following steps: maintaining second ends 16 of flexible anchoring members 12 in a predetermined spaced position; flexing first ends 14 of flexible anchoring members 12 from a predetermined spaced position wider than aperture 48 to a compressed position more narrow than aperture 48; inserting first ends 14 of flexible anchoring members 12 through aperture 48 in cranial bone 28; expanding first ends 14 of flexible anchoring members 12 away from each other from the compressed position to the predetermined spaced position so as to engage an inner surface 26 of cranial bone 28; and, translocating stabilization member 42 from adjacent second ends 16 of flexible anchoring members 12 to a position adjacent first ends 14 thereof so as to engage an outer surface 44 of cranial bone 28. Once stabilization member 42 is in a clamping position adjacent first ends 14, the method preferably includes the step of locking stabilization member 42 in position. Additional steps of the method preferably include associating locking tabs 20 with first ends 14 of flexible anchoring members 12 and trimming flexible anchoring members 12 after stabilization member 42 engages outer surface 44 of cranial bone 28 at a point immediately above stabilization member 42.

Further, the method generally will include the step of engaging stabilization member 42 with flexible anchoring members 12, such as by means of slits 50 as described herein. It will be appreciated that stabilization member 42 may be positioned in sliding engagement with flexible anchoring members 12 either before or after first ends 14 thereof are inserted through aperture 48.

Additionally, the flexing step of the method may be performed either manually or by means of a clamping instrument specially designed for the purpose. Likewise, translocation of stabilization member 42 according to the method may be performed either manually or via a clamping instrument.

Having shown and described the preferred embodiment of the present invention, further adaptations of flexible clamp device 10, flexible anchoring members 12, stabilization member 42, and the other components thereof can be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Moreover, it will be understood that further adaptations of the method steps for positioning the flexible clamp device 10 within an aperture 48 of a cranial bone 28 may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Advantageously, the flexible clamp device 10 provides many advantages, some of which include:

-   -   a flexible clamp further comprising a cross member connecting         the second ends of the elongated bodies in spaced relation;     -   a flexible clamp further comprising a ratcheting mechanism         associated with each elongated body, and a plurality of pawl         mechanisms formed within the stabilization member which         lockingly engage with each of the ratcheting mechanisms;     -   a flexible clamp wherein the stabilization member further         comprises a substantially planar member slidingly engagable with         the elongated bodies, and plurality of locking teeth extending         from a lower surface of the substantially planar member in         spaced relation which engage the outer surface of the bone when         the stabilization member is in the clamping position;     -   a flexible clamp wherein the first ends of the elongated bodies         are compressible when the stabilization member is positioned         adjacent the second ends of the elongated bodies;     -   a flexible clamp wherein the first ends of the elongated bodies         are maintained in spaced relation when the stabilization member         is positioned adjacent thereto;     -   a flexible clamp wherein each of the ratcheting mechanisms         associated with the elongated bodies are unidirectional;     -   a flexible clamp wherein the locking tab further comprising a         first portion extending outwardly from the first end of the         elongated body, and a second portion extending from the first         locking tab portion toward the second end of the elongated body;     -   a flexible clamp wherein the second ends of the elongated bodies         are spaced a predetermined amount;     -   a flexible clamp wherein the first ends of the elongated bodies         are adjustably spaced;     -   a flexible clamp wherein the position of the stabilization         member along the elongated bodies controls the amount of         movement available at the first ends of the elongated bodies;     -   a flexible clamp wherein the substantially planar member of the         stabilization member further includes a plurality of slits         formed partially therein for receiving the elongated bodies;     -   a flexible clamp wherein the stabilization member is sized to be         greater than a width of the aperture in the bone;     -   a flexible clamp wherein the locking tabs of the elongated         bodies are movable between a position wider than the aperture to         a position more narrow than the aperture;     -   a method of positioning a clamp within an aperture in a cranial         bone further comprising the step of locking the stabilizing         member in the position;     -   a method of positioning a clamp within an aperture in a cranial         bone further comprising the step of associating locking tabs         with the first ends of the elongated bodies;     -   a method of positioning a clamp within an aperture in a cranial         bone further comprising the step of engaging the stabilizing         member with the elongated bodies;     -   a method of positioning a clamp within an aperture in a cranial         bone wherein the stabilizing member is engaged with the         elongated bodies prior to inserting the first ends of the         elongated bodies through the aperture;     -   a method of positioning a clamp within an aperture in a cranial         bone wherein the stabilizing member is engaged with the         elongated bodies after inserting the first ends of the elongated         bodies through the aperture;     -   a method of positioning a clamp within an aperture in a cranial         bone wherein the flexing step is performed manually;     -   a method of positioning a clamp within an aperture in a cranial         bone wherein the flexing step is performed with a clamping         instrument;     -   a method of positioning a clamp within an aperture in a cranial         bone wherein the translocation of the stabilizing member is         performed manually;     -   a method of positioning a clamp within an aperture in a cranial         bone wherein the translocation of the stabilizing member is         performed with a clamping instrument;     -   a method of positioning a clamp within an aperture in a cranial         bone further comprising the step of trimming the elongated         bodies after the stabilizing member engages the outer surface of         the cranial bone;     -   a flexible clamp device wherein the at least one flexible         anchoring member is an elongated body having an anchoring end         and a second end opposite thereof;     -   a flexible clamp device wherein the at least one flexible         anchoring member comprises a unidirectional ratcheting         mechanism;     -   a flexible clamp device wherein the at least one flexible         anchoring member comprises a locking tab extending from an         anchoring end of the at least one flexible anchoring member and         being adapted to clamp to an internal surface of a cranial bone;     -   a flexible clamp device wherein the locking tab further         comprises a first portion extending outwardly from the anchoring         end of the at least one flexible anchoring member, and a second         portion extending from the first locking tab portion toward a         second end of the at least one flexible anchoring member;     -   a flexible clamp device wherein the stabilization member further         comprises a plurality of pawl mechanisms to receive the         unidirectional ratcheting mechanism on each of the at least one         flexible anchoring member; and     -   a flexible clamp device wherein the stabilization member further         comprises a plurality of slits formed therein for receiving each         of the at least one flexible anchoring member.

While the method herein described, and the form of apparatus for carrying this method into effect, constitute preferred embodiments of this invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this precise method and form of apparatus, and that changes may be made in either without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the appended claims. 

1. A flexible clamp device for the anchoring of cranial bones, comprising: a plurality of flexible anchoring members; and a stabilization member.
 2. The flexible clamp device as recited in claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of flexible anchoring members is an elongated body having an anchoring end and a second end opposite thereof.
 3. The flexible clamp device as recited in claim 1, wherein said plurality of flexible anchoring members elongated bodies incorporate unidirectional ratcheting mechanisms.
 4. The flexible clamp device as recited in claim 1, wherein said plurality of flexible anchoring members anchoring end incorporates locking tabs adapted to clamp to an internal portion of a cranial bone.
 5. The flexible clamp device as recited in claim 1, wherein said plurality of flexible anchoring members elongated bodies may be flexed such that locking tabs are displaced inward to facilitate placement of said locking tabs through a defect in a cranial bone.
 6. The flexible clamp device as recited in claim 1, wherein said stabilization member incorporates a plurality of pawl mechanisms to receive said plurality of flexible anchoring members.
 7. The flexible clamp device as recited in claim 1, wherein said stabilization member can be translocated such that each of said plurality of flexible anchoring members displaces locking members and locking tabs outward.
 8. The flexible clamp device as recited in claim 1, wherein said stabilization member can be translocated such that said stabilization member constitutes a rigid clamp with locking members.
 9. The flexible clamp device as recited in claim 1, wherein said stabilization member can be cut off following clamping of said stabilization member.
 10. A method of placing a flexible cranial clamp, wherein said method comprises the steps of: identifying a hole or other defect in a cranial bone, i.e. during neurosurgery; flexing of anchoring members of a flexible cranial clamp such that said anchoring members are displaced inward; placing inwardly-displaced locking members through said hole or other defect in cranial bone; and expanding and stabilizing said locking members by translocation of a sliding stabilization member towards said hole or other defect in cranial bone.
 11. Method of placing a flexible cranial clamp as described in claim 10, wherein said flexing of anchoring members is performed manually.
 12. Method of placing a flexible cranial clamp as described in claim 10, wherein said flexing of anchoring members is performed with a clamping instrument.
 13. Method of placing a flexible cranial clamp as described in claim 10, wherein said translocation of a sliding stabilization member is performed manually.
 14. Method of placing a flexible cranial clamp as described in claim 10, wherein said translocation of a sliding stabilization member is performed with a clamping instrument.
 15. The flexible clamp device as recited in claim 2, further comprising a unidirectional ratcheting mechanism associated with each of said plurality of flexible anchoring members.
 16. The flexible clamp device as recited in claim 2, further comprising a locking tab extending from said anchoring end of each of said plurality of flexible anchoring members adapted to clamp to an internal surface of a cranial bone.
 17. The flexible clamp device as recited in claim 16, said locking tab further comprising: a first portion extending outwardly from said anchoring end of each of said plurality of flexible anchoring members; and a second portion extending from said first locking tab portion toward said second end of each of said plurality of flexible anchoring members.
 18. The flexible clamp device as recited in claim 2, further comprising a cross member connecting second ends of each of said plurality of flexible anchoring members, wherein each of said plurality of flexible anchoring members may be flexed such that said anchoring ends thereof are displaceable inwardly to facilitate placement through an aperture in a cranial bone.
 19. The flexible clamp device as recited in claim 15, said stabilization member further comprising a plurality of pawl mechanisms to receive said unidirectional ratcheting mechanism on each of said plurality of flexible anchoring members.
 20. The flexible clamp device as recited in claim 19, said stabilization member further comprising a plurality of slits formed therein for receiving each of said plurality of flexible anchoring members.
 21. The flexible clamp device as recited in claim 19, wherein said stabilization member can be translocated from a first position adjacent second ends of each of said plurality of flexible anchoring members to a second position adjacent said anchoring ends of each of said plurality of flexible anchoring members.
 22. The flexible clamp device as recited in claim 21, wherein said stabilization member in the second position causes said anchoring ends of each of said plurality of flexible anchoring members to be maintained in a spaced position.
 23. The flexible clamp device as recited in claim 21, wherein said stabilization member can be translocated to the second position so as to constitute a rigid clamp with said anchoring ends of each of said plurality of flexible anchoring members.
 24. The flexible clamp device as recited in claim 23, said stabilization member further comprising a plurality of locking teeth extending from a lower surface thereof so as to engage an upper surface of a cranial bone.
 25. The flexible clamp device as recited in claim 23, said anchoring end of each of said plurality of flexible anchoring members including a locking tab associated therewith so as to engage a lower surface of a cranial bone.
 26. The flexible clamp device as recited in claim 1, said stabilization member further comprising: a substantially planar member slidingly engagable with each of said plurality of flexible anchoring members; a plurality of locking teeth extending from a lower surface of said substantially planar member in spaced relation; and a mechanism for retaining said substantially planar member in a desired position along each of said plurality of flexible anchoring members.
 27. The flexible clamp device as recited in claim 26, said retaining mechanism for retaining further comprising a plurality of pawl members formed in said substantially planar member for engaging corresponding ratcheting mechanisms provided on each of said plurality of flexible anchoring members.
 28. A flexible clamp for plugging an aperture in a bone, comprising: a plurality of flexible elongated bodies, each elongated body having a first end and a second end opposite said first end; a locking tab connected to said second end of each elongated body; and a stabilization member slidingly engagable with said elongated bodies, wherein said stabilization member may be translocated from a position adjacent said second ends of said elongated bodies to a clamping position adjacent said first ends of said elongated bodies; wherein each of said locking tabs engages an inner surface of said bone and said stabilization member engages an outer surface of said bone when in the clamping position. 29-41. (canceled)
 42. A method of positioning a clamp within an aperture in a cranial bone, said clamp including a plurality of flexible elongated bodies and a stabilizing member slidingly engagable therewith, comprising the following steps: maintaining second ends of the elongated bodies in a predetermined spaced position; flexing first ends of the elongated bodies from a predetermined spaced position wider than said aperture to a compressed position more narrow than said aperture; inserting said first ends of the elongated bodies through said aperture in the cranial bone; expanding said first ends of the elongated bodies from said compressed position to said predetermined spaced position so as to engage an inner surface of the cranial bone; and translocating said stabilizing member from adjacent said second ends of the elongated bodies to a position adjacent said first ends thereof so as to engage an outer surface of said cranial bone. 43-52. (canceled)
 53. A flexible clamp device for use with a cranial bone, comprising: at least one flexible anchoring member for positioning on the cranial bone; and a stabilization member for slidably mounting on said at least one flexible anchoring member to cover a hole or opening in the cranial bone. 54-59. (canceled) 